NPD Project Manager

About Us:

At itsu, we're passionate about making healthy eating exciting, accessible, and affordable. As an Asian-inspired food brand, we’ve grown to over 80 restaurants across the UK and Belgium, while building a thriving grocery business that reaches customers across Europe and beyond. Known for our fresh, high-quality food prepared daily in every shop, we're on an ambitious growth journey. With plans to expand our store estate, accelerate our grocery presence, and continue investing in innovation, technology, and our people, we're shaping the future of healthy fast food.

itsu [ grocery ], where this role sits, extends the much-loved itsu brand beyond our shops and into supermarkets, health food retailers, online channels, wholesale partners, and international markets. Our growing product range includes customer favourites such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza and bao, brilliant'broth, rice'noodles, and miso'easy, bringing the taste and quality of itsu into homes around the world.

Joining itsu means becoming part of a fast-paced, innovative business with big ambitions, a strong culture, and a shared mission to help people eat beautifully every day.

About the role:

As an NPD Project Manager - Ambient at itsu[grocery], you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing exciting new products and product improvements to market across multiple ambient food categories. Reporting to the Product Director, you will lead end-to-end project delivery, working cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Technical, Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful launches that meet quality, timing and commercial objectives.

• Lead NPD and EPD projects from approved concept through to factory launch.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and critical paths to ensure successful delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to drive collaboration and accountability.
• Support supplier sourcing, negotiations and cost management activities.
• Maintain governance through stage gate processes, documentation and reviews.
• Provide clear project communication, updates and reporting to stakeholders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly organised and commercially minded project professional who thrives in a fast-paced FMCG environment and has a passion for food innovation.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Manage NPD and EPD projects from approved concept to launch, delivering on time and within budget.
• Chair relevant project and gate meetings ensuring key actions are documented and followed through, coordinating cross-functional inputs so each team delivers in line with the agreed critical path
• Maintain the itsu NPD process, including gate documentation, artwork reviews, stakeholder engagement, and regular team updates.
• Provide clear, consistent communication throughout each project.
• Manage detailed project budgets and provide monthly re-forecasts.
• Support business planning with relevant cost, pricing, and performance insight.
• Ensure sample creation, trial support, and technical preparation are delegated effectively to meet project milestones.
• Lead early supplier sourcing, supplier discussions, and cost negotiations to meet target pricing.

You'll join a business that values teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement, where your contribution will have a direct impact on delivering market-leading products to consume

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 5 years' experience in NPD project management, procurement or supply chain roles, ideally within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with a proven ability to manage projects from concept through to launch.
• Excellent commercial acumen with experience in costing, negotiations, supplier management
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams effectively.
• A good understanding of NPD processes, stage gate management and product launch requirements.
• A genuine interest in food and product innovation, with a passion for bringing new products to market.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday + Bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
• Health Insurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Hybrid Working model: 4-day onsite/1-day WFH.
• 50% employee discount in itsu shops
• Free itsu lunch every day!
• Discounts at major retailers
• Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
• Development & Growth opportunities

At itsu [grocery], everyone’s taste matters, and so does who’s behind it. We celebrate diversity and are an equal opportunities employer. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged. If you need support or adjustments to apply, we’ll happily accommodate.